soil texture selection on Universal
Quick answer
If your Universal has soil texture selection, the most likely cause is: Soil texture (sand/silt/clay ratio) determines drainage, aeration, and nutrient-holding capacity - properties that cannot be changed through amendments.
Start here:
- 1. Determine soil texture using ribbon test or hydrometer method
- 2. Match plant selection and irrigation to soil texture class
Why Universal gets soil texture selection
Soil texture (sand/silt/clay ratio) determines drainage, aeration, and nutrient-holding capacity - properties that cannot be changed through amendments.
Coarse fragments (gravel, cobbles) affect land use: >50% coarse fragments by weight classifies as very gravelly and significantly reduces effective root zone volume. In container horticulture, particle size distribution affects water retention curves differently than field soils due to constrained drainage.
How to reverse soil texture selection on Universal
- 1
Determine soil texture using ribbon test or hydrometer method
- 2
Match plant selection and irrigation to soil texture class
Keep soil texture selection off this Universal
Amend only if needed for specific plants; accept natural texture and select appropriate plants.